Cidade Turismo
the United Kingdom

Before you go

Your trip to Fort William.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Fort William – Escócia Destination Highlands and the Ilha de Skye about 210 km from Edimburgo

How to get there

  • Inverness Airport (INV) Inverness · 120 km
  • Glasgow Airport (GLA) Glasgow · 170 km
  • Fort William railway station 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. From Glasgow, the West Highland Line train takes about 3h45 and is one of Britain’s most scenic routes; the Caledonian Sleeper leaves London Euston at night. From Inverness it is about 105 km on the A82, along Lago Ness. The nearest airport is Inverness.

How many days

Two days: one for Glencoe and another for Glenfinnan and the Escada de Netuno. Those planning to climb Ben Nevis need an extra full day.

When to go

From May to September, when days are long, the Jacobite runs and trails are in better condition. It rains a lot at any time of year, and midges appear in summer. In winter there is snow on the mountains.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

A car is very helpful for Glencoe and Glenfinnan, although there are buses and trains to both. You drive on the left, and the A82 and A830 are busy in summer. Without a car, local tours take care of the visits.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Fort William
  1. Morning
    Glencoe

    Set out early for Glencoe, stop at the Três Irmãs viewpoints and visit the visitor centre.

  2. Afternoon
    Glenfinnan

    Return via Fort William and head to the Glenfinnan viaduct, arriving before the Jacobite passes.

  3. Late afternoon
    Escada de Netuno

    Stop at the Escada de Netuno in Banavie, with Ben Nevis in the background.

  4. Evening
    Fort William

    Dine on the High Street of Fort William, the pedestrian street in the town centre.

2 days in Fort William

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Glencoe

    Viewpoints and a short trail in Glencoe.

  2. Afternoon
    Glen Nevis

    Trail to the Steall waterfall at the end of Glen Nevis.

  3. Late afternoon
    Lago Linnhe

    Walk along the shore of Lago Linnhe in the town centre.

  4. Evening
    Pub

    Have dinner in a pub in the town centre.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Jacobite

    Journey on the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig, with a reservation, passing Glenfinnan.

  2. Afternoon
    Mallaig

    Fish lunch at Mallaig harbour, where the ferries to Skye depart.

  3. Late afternoon
    Return

    Return on the Jacobite or by ferry to Skye, continuing the journey.

  4. Evening
    Fort William or Skye

    Overnight in Fort William or already on Skye.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Jacobite train depart from?

From Fort William station, bound for Mallaig, passing the Glenfinnan viaduct. It usually runs from April or May through October, with advance booking.

Is Fort William a good base for Ben Nevis?

Yes — the main trail starts at Glen Nevis, about 3 km from the town centre.

How do you get from Fort William to Skye?

By car via the Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan, about 2h30, or by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale in the south of the island.

Is Fort William far from Glencoe?

No — about 25 km, roughly a 30-minute drive.

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